International Women in Engineering Day – Meet our Geotechnical Lead, Silvia Pensa.

I’m originally from Rome, where I studied Civil Engineering. Since secondary school, I was always drawn to science and maths but also enjoyed Latin, which hugely helped when learning English. I moved to the UK in 2006 after graduating. Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, singing in a local choir, and spending time with my two bilingual daughters.

Leaving aside the preference for scientific subjects at school, it is fair to say that living in one of the most visited cities in the world can be very challenging. As I grew up, I became interested in the issues that affected Rome and similar large cities, especially the lack of resilience that the infrastructure offers to the residents. I wanted to do something about it and attended a career day at what would become my university which opened my eyes to Civil Engineering. It was a natural fit, as it offered a creative and analytical outlet to tackle complex challenges in construction, transportation, and environmental systems.

As Geotechnical Lead since 2023, I focus on ground investigations, design coordination, and mass haul volume analysis—key for efficient, sustainable construction planning. My role also involves supporting environmental assessments and incorporating public feedback from the consultation period.

We need to introduce STEM activities in school, with hands-on activities tailored to each age group. I’d like to see young girls connect with female engineers through mentorship programmes and internships, and at the same time promote visibility of successful women via appropriate media channels.

Flexible work arrangements are still a key factor – without this flexibility, women can be deterred from entering the profession, as childcare responsibilities often disproportionally fall on women, especially in the early years. Additional paid parental leave may help with retention and help women progress into leadership roles. I would consider very highly an employer who fosters a family-friendly culture, alleviating this burden to those pursuing a career in engineering.

• Engineering is a very broad discipline. Make sure you do your research in the fields that interest you and reach out to professionals for more details, starting from university lecturers.
• Work on your communication skills. Being able to explain complex problems clearly and in simple terms is crucial.
• Build a strong foundation in Maths and Sciences in general. Most universities have specific entry requirements.
• Get some hands-on experience. Internships and apprentices are a great route to engineering.
• Engineers don’t work alone. Do not shy away from teamwork, so I’d encourage joining clubs, learn to work with others, listen and incorporate feedback.
• Civil engineers are needed worldwide- those who want to travel, work internationally, or contribute to global development will find Civil Engineering a rewarding profession.